The Florida Solar Energy Center at the University of Central Florida is accepting applications for the 2007 Florida Energy Achievement Award and the new Florida Utility Energy Achievement Award. The two awards recognize significant achievements in the efficient utilization of energy, energy conservation, energy education or renewable energy in facilities or programs.

A Florida utility and a Florida company, organization or individual that demonstrate statewide leadership and significant accomplishments in sustainability and energy savings will be honored this year. Sarasota County Government received the first Florida Energy Achievement Award, presented in 2005. Last year’s recipient was Walt Disney World, with its “Strive for Five” energy reduction program.

Results recognized through the awards could include reducing energy use, water conservation, renewable energy generation, the use of alternative fuel vehicles and renovations or retrofits with energy-saving measures. Other results could include reducing pollution, innovative energy-saving performance contracts or utility energy services contracts, having a major impact on public education regarding energy issues or playing a prominent role in educating or disseminating information related to energy conservation.

Applications for the 2007 awards must be received at the Florida Solar Energy Center by Dec. 7.

To apply for the award, interested organizations and individuals should send the form available at the bottom of this release and a letter to FSEC highlighting a key project and documenting its impact and effectiveness. The letter must give information on the program or activities that qualify for the award. The energy savings and environmental benefits to Florida should show well-documented, quantifiable measures. The utility competition is open to all Florida utility companies. The general competition is open to all Florida companies, organizations and individuals. Staff members of the Florida Solar Energy Center and their families are not eligible for either competition.

Applications should be postmarked by Dec. 7. Questions should be directed to Philip Fairey at 321-638-1005 or Click
here to contact.

The Florida Solar Energy Center, a research institute of the University of Central Florida, is the largest and most active state-supported energy research institute in the country. Current divisions and their research activities include Advanced Energy Research: alternative transportation systems, hydrogen fuel and fuel cells; Buildings Research: energy-efficient buildings; and Solar Energy: solar water and pool heating and solar electric and distributed generation systems. For more information about the center, visit www.floridaenergycenter.org or call the FSEC Public Affairs Office at 321-638-1015.